i'm tired of flinching at door hinges,

of counting heads, of dreading the start of a car.

i can't lock every door

from both sides, or keep anyone's

feet from moving in the opposite direction.

still, i don't want to be a mine shaft

or a puppy or a single cent.

but i am a puppy;

and i will not let go

of your pant leg when you get up to leave.